Elliott earns Springfieldian title

Gordon Elliott

Good news is not hard to find in the Ozarks, as we illustrate regularly with an editorial feature we call: 'Tis a privilege.

'Tis a privilege to congratulate 2013 Springfieldian Gordon Elliott. The Springfield businessman and hotelier, who was honored Friday at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, has played an important role in shaping our community through such service as his work on the Missouri State University Board of Governors, the Board of Public Utilities, his willingness to mentor community and business leaders, and his generous spirit. We especially thank Elliott for his donation of countless warm nights in hotel rooms to homeless families. While friends joked that Elliott is known as "thrifty" - even "cheap," we know that he is a joyful giver and a generous spirit who richly deserves this honor.

'Tis a privilege to thank the Harlem Globetrotters for showing young Springfield students important lessons about bullying. The Globetrotters' comic antics and amazing skill at the hoops make them the perfect messengers. Students at Watkins Elementary School were the lucky participants in a demonstration of Globetrotter skill last week, but the kids also learned that being "brave" against bullies and showing "compassion" to each other is the best defense. The students were treated to some "cool" entertainment and some lessons they can use in life.

'Tis a privilege to give a shout out to Nigel Holderby for stepping up to help a military veteran family facing some serious financial challenges. Holderby met Brytian and Marla Geary when they came to the American Red Cross for assistance. Holderby is the chief communications officer for the local Red Cross region, but she stepped outside of her job to do something more for the family, who is expecting a second child. She turned to social media and created a cyber baby shower that brought in donations from around the country. The Gearys now have everything they need for the new baby and something more - a new friend in Holderby and a determination to pay it forward.

'Tis a privilege to welcome Mike Sweeney and Scott Bailes to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Bailes, a 1980 Parkview High School graduate, pitched for the Cleveland Indians, California Angels and the Texas Rangers during his 13-year career in the majors. Back in Springfield, he still has a presence in baseball, calling games for the Springfield Cardinals - when he's not busy on the Springfield City Council.

Sweeney, the former Kansas City Royal, said he felt like he had let down the club where he spent all but the last three years of his Major League career because he never took the team to the playoffs. But the work he has done with youths since leaving MLB, especially running Catholic Baseball Camp, has given Sweeney a sense of pride. "I'm making an impact on kids for eternity," he said, "and that's a great gift to pass on." Yes, it is.

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Elliott earns Springfieldian title

Good news is not hard to find in the Ozarks, as we illustrate regularly with an editorial feature we call: 'Tis a privilege. 'Tis a privilege to congratulate 2013 Springfieldian Gordon Elliott.